The Secret Life of Sir Arnold Bax

Synopsis

The English composer Sir Arnold Bax (1883-1953) wrote intensely picturesque and romantic music. Ken Russell's film takes up Bax's story in the late 1940s, when the composer had just written the score for Lean's film of Oliver Twist. It dramatises an imaginary affair with a cinema usherette-cum-fan-dancer – a composite of the many flirtations Bax indulged in – and concerns the artist's struggle to maintain his ideals, loyalty and vision. Russell himself plays Bax and his portrait of a sad old man whose music has fallen out of favour is true and moving. The cast also includes Glenda Jackson.

Additional Info

• No: R0585
• Composer: Sir Arnold Bax
• Production year: 1992
• Run time: 01:00:00
• Director: Ken Russell
• Producers: RM Arts/Dreamgrange/LWT South Bank Show
• Format: HDTV